The winery
Contratto
Historic sparkling wine house in Canelli (Piedmont), specializing in the Traditional Method; it also produces vermouth and liqueurs and maintains extensive underground cellars recognized by UNESCO.
- Piemonte · Italia
- Since 1867
- 21 products
The story
Founded by Giuseppe Contratto in 1867 in Canelli, the estate began by vinifying Moscato grapes and producing bottle‑fermented sparkling wines. In the early decades of the twentieth century Contratto wines gained foreign markets and royal contracts; in 1919 the company produced Italy’s first vintage sparkling wine. From 1920 the production of vermouth and liqueurs was added. The Contratto family remained at the helm until 1993, when the company passed to the Bocchino family; subsequently, in 2011, ownership was acquired by the Rivetti family, who have relaunched Metodo Classico production and expanded its presence in Alta Langa.
Production philosophy
A range focused on vineyard quality and respect for the land: careful vineyard management, low yields, and agronomic practices aimed at organic farming, with the goal of expressing the land’s identity through long-aged sparkling wines.
Terroir and vineyards
Historic headquarters in Canelli, in the province of Asti. The estate also operates vineyards in Alta Langa for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; the historic underground cellars carved into tuff are an asset for the aging of Metodo Classico wines.
Awards and recognition
Numerous recognitions from guides and critics.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Moscato
What makes it distinctive
- Historic underground cellars recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A pioneer of the Traditional Method in Italy; the first vintage sparkling wine was produced in 1919.
- Historic production of vermouth and liqueurs made according to traditional recipes.
- Vineyards in Alta Langa dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Strong emphasis on organic viticulture and low yields in the vineyard.
